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1. How to Access Police Services

How to Access Police Services

2. How do I appeal a civil citation?

To appeal a citation please fill out the citation appeal form located on main page and turn it in to the Police Department Administrative Support Specialist. Make sure to have it notarized.

Click here to go to the form.

3. How do I pay for a Civil Citation?

Citations may be paid via cash, check, or money order. Civil Citation payments may be made in person at Town Hall, located at 321 Causeway Drive, Monday- Friday 8:00am to 5:00pm.

If you are mailing your payment, be sure to include a copy of your citation or reference the CC number and remit payments: to Town of Wrightsville Beach, PO Box 626, Wrightsville Beach, NC 28480. DO NOT MAIL CASH.

4. Does the Police Department do finger printing?

No. To get your fingerprint card done you may visit the County Court House in downtown Wilmington or the Sheriffs Department.

5. Can the police check on my residence while I am away?

Yes. To sign up for residential checks please submit the Residential Check form to the Police Department front desk. You mail do this by fax, email, mail, or in person.

Residential Security Check

6. Can the police open my car if I have locked my keys inside?

Because of the potential for damage to vehicles, the police department does not open locked vehicles. A locksmith as well as most tow companies and taxi drivers will respond to your location and unlock your vehicle for a fee. If a child is locked inside the vehicle, the police will respond to remove the child from the vehicle.

7. Does the Department sponsor individuals for Basic Law Enforcement Training?

Yes.  The Wrightsville Beach Police Department now has a recruit program that offers a paid sponsorship for individuals to attend Basic Law Enforcement Training (BLET).  This paid sponsorship offers the recruit the ability to receive a full time salary with benefits while attending BLET. The recruit will also get the opportunity to work directly with members of the Police Department while in BLET to allow them a chance to gain more intimate knowledge of the agency, town and citizens.  Interested in the recruit program?  To apply for a sponsorship fill out the town application, an F-3 (11/2022), and a general release of information.  All forms can be notarized and turned in at the front desk of the Police Department.

8. Are Golf Carts, UTV's and other Low Speed Vehicles (LSVs) allowed in Wrightsville Beach?

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1. Does the Police Department have a Reserve Officer Program?

The Wrightsville Beach Police Department has a paid/flexible work (not full time) positions for Reserve Officers.  A Reserve Officer is a fully certified police officer who helps to augment our force.

Anyone interested in serving as a Reserve Officer or serving through non-law enforcement volunteer opportunities, should email the Chief at dsquires@towb.org 

2. My vehicle was towed by the Wrightsville Beach Police Department. How do I get it back?

The yellow copy of the Impound Form must be obtained at the Police Department. On it will be the address/phone number of the rotation wrecker service used to tow the vehicle.

Once the yellow copy of the Impound Form is obtained, which requires proof of vehicle ownership, the form can be taken to the storage facility operated by the wrecker service and the vehicle retrieved with payment of charges. Wrecker companies will not release a vehicle without the form or before payment to them is made.

3. What do I do when I have found a lost, stray or injured animal?

Contact the Planning & Parks Department. Our Park Ranger will assist you, when on duty or we can locate resources to help.

4. How long can a vehicle be parked on the street before it's considered abandoned?

A vehicle may be considered abandoned if left on public property for a period of 24 hours or longer. An abandoned vehicle on private property shall be the responsibility of the person in charge of the property to tow such vehicle. The Police Department can assist in determining if a vehicle has been reported stolen.

5. Do you do fingerprinting?

The Wrightsville Beach Police Department does not provide a public fingerprinting service. For public fingerprinting, contact the New Hanover County Sheriff's Office at 910-798-4200 or Wilmington Police Department at 910-343-3600.

6. Does the Police Department have a jail?

The Wrightsville Beach Police Department has a holding cell, used to temporarily hold people who are in custody until they can be released or transported to the New Hanover County Jail.

7. Does the Police Department have any volunteer programs?

While there are no formal volunteer positions, we are always open to collaborate with interested volunteers so that we don't miss an opportunity.  Anyone interested in volunteering should email the Chief at dsquires@towb.org 

8. What do I need to bring with me to get a Town Decal?

Vehicle registration and proof of residency are the major requirements. The Town Decal is a tax levied on the residents of Wrightsville Beach and the purchase is required annually. Decals purchased between January 1st and March 31st cost $15.

Decals purchased after March 31st are $30. All residents are required to purchase a decal for each vehicle registered to an address in Wrightsville Beach.

Non-resident property owners may purchase decals, but there is no requirement for them to have them. The vehicle registration and proof of property ownership is required. Residency can be proven with a deed, Progress Energy bill, lease agreement, Town water bill, etc.

9. Can the police open my car if I have locked my keys inside?

Because of the potential for damage to vehicles, the police department does not open locked vehicles. A locksmith as well as most tow companies and taxi drivers will respond to your location and unlock your vehicle for a fee. If a child is locked inside the vehicle, the police will respond to remove the child from the vehicle.

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1. Can I make a report anonymously?

Yes, tell the telecommunicator you wish to remain anonymous.

2. Will the Police Department take a report over the phone?

It is the policy of the Wrightsville Beach Police Department to take reports in person. An officer may respond to the location the incident occurred; to your home if you live within the Town limits; or you may come in to our station to make a report.

3. How do I get a copy of an accident or case report?

Our Front Desk is open Monday - Friday from 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. You can come to the Police Department to pick up a copy of a report. Please call ahead of time so they can have it ready for you. Or, you may send a written request along with a self addressed envelope to the Wrightsville Beach Police Department, PO Box 452, Wrightsville Beach, NC 28480.

4. How long do I have to wait before I report someone missing?

There is no waiting period for someone to be reported missing. Report as soon as you notice anything abnormal.

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1. Who may register a complaint against WBPD or one of its members?

Any citizen or employee of the Wrightsville Beach Police Department may make a complaint. All complaints against the agency or its members will be documented by the appropriate authority. In order to proceed with a formal investigation conducted by the Chief of Police or their designee, an anonymous completed complaint is required from the complainant summarizing the alleged misconduct. Once the investigation has been completed, a Finding will be established regarding whether a violation has occurred according to the evidence.  Final disposition status will be determined.  Please click on Findings for more information.  This form is called the Personnel Complaint Report.

2. Where do I purchase a Town Decal?

You may purchase Town Decals at Town Hall, located at:
Wrightsville Beach Town Hall
321 Causeway Drive
Wrightsville Beach, NC 28480

3. Where are you located?

The Wrightsville Beach Police Department is located at 3 Bob Sawyer Drive.

4. When should I call 911?

Whenever there is an immediate threat to life, limb or property. If lives are in danger, there are serious injuries, or a crime is in progress, never hesitate to dial 911.

5. How late is the Police Department open?

The Wrightsville Beach Police Department functions around the clock. The 911 Center can be accessed by phone at all times, and officers are on duty to patrol the Town 24 hours a day, seven days a week. The Wrightsville Beach Police Department Front Desk is open Monday - Friday from 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. and can be reached by dialing 910-256-7945.

6. Does the Wrightsville Beach Police Department have a lost and found?

Found property is processed, logged and stored in a manner similar to the processing of crime scene evidence. If an owner can be identified, the Department makes every effort to contact them. If there are no identifiable marks on the item, owners can come to the station and a search of reports will be made. Once ownership requirements are satisfied, the item will be released. Items that are not claimed within a year are sold at auction.

7. How does one offer a commendation or a note of appreciation?

Anyone trying to offer a note of praise or appreciation is encouraged to email the Chief at dsquires@towb.org